GB2573468A

GB2573468A - Input device

Info

Publication number: GB2573468A
Application number: GB1911103.8A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Priestnall Stephen
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2012-08-15
Filing date: 2012-08-15
Publication date: 2019-11-06
Anticipated expiration: 2032-08-15
Also published as: GB201911103D0; GB2573468B

Abstract

An input device 1 for data processing apparatus 12 comprises a dish 2 having a convex lower surface 3 which rests on a base 10 and can tilt in a plurality of directions with respect to the base, and a concave upper surface 5 in which is positioned a movable member such as a ball 6 which can move with respect to the concave upper surface. A user is supported on the movable member, in a standing, sitting or kneeling position. The dish is provided with a motion detector module 8 which detects movement of the dish in response to forces applied to the dish as a result of actions performed by the user, and which produces signals in response to such movement. An interface 9 serves to output the signals to the data processing apparatus. Wherein the member is freely removable from the dish. Also disclosed is an input device wherein the motion detector module is mounted within the dish, between the inner and outer surfaces. Also disclosed is an input device in which the moveable member is a ball.

Description

Input Device

The present invention relates to an input device for data processing apparatus such as a computer or a games console, having similar functionality to a joystick or similar input device. In particular, the invention is concerned with an input device which require balance and movement by a user.

It is known to have an input device which require balance and movement by a user. Such a device is disclosed in United States published patent application 2007/0155495 which describes a simulated surfboard input device. The present invention relates to an improved input device which requires balance and movement by a user.

Viewed from one aspect the present invention provides an input device for data processing apparatus comprising a dish having a convex lower surface which can rest on a base and tilt in a plurality of directions with respect to the base, and a concave upper surface in which is positioned a ball on which a user can be supported, the dish being provided with a motion detector module which detects movement of the dish in response to forces applied to the ball by the user, and produces signals in response to such movement, and with an interface to output the signals to the data processing apparatus.

Preferably the ball is of a size such that a user may stand on the ball. In some embodiments a user may sit or kneel on the ball.

Thus, in one embodiment a user stands, sits or kneels on the ball and by transferring weight and /or movement (for example of the feet if the user is standing) applies forces to the ball and thus to the dish on which the ball rests. The dish tilts in various directions in response to such forces, and the motion detector module detects such movements and provides signals which the interface feeds to the data processing device.

Preferably, the motion detector module can detect movement in two or three orthogonal directions so that there are detected tilting movements of the dish

-2forwards, backwards, to the left and to the right. Preferably movements in intermediate directions are also detected, such as forward and left; forward and right; rearward and left and rearward and right. The motion detector module could detect tilting movement in directions through 360 degrees, if for example the module comprises accelerometers arranged in three orthogonal directions. The motion detector module could be mounted in the dish and detect movement, for example by an arrangement of accelerometers and I or one or more gyroscopes. The module may be mounted centrally in the base of the dish. Alternatively, the module could be external of the dish, for example comprising an array of pressure sensors or switches in contact with the exterior of the dish.

In one embodiment the motion detector module comprises an interface for connection to a smart phone or another hand held device such as a games controller, which includes its own motion detection system. The smart phone or other device can be mounted in the dish, for example in a recess so that it is protected, and the outputs from the hand held device fed to the data processing device. A smart phone or similar device may run a software application, or App, to enable to operate in this manner.

Preferably the ball is of the type known as a gym ball. Preferably, the ball is resiliently deformable. Preferably the ball is inflatable. The ball may be of rubber or plastics , for example. Preferably the ball is removable form the dish, and preferably the ball is freely supported on the dish with no restraints other than the concave curvature of the dish. An advantage of a separate ball is that it can be replaced, and the diameter and stiffness of the ball can be chosen to match the requirements of the user.

The dish may be of generally circular shape, although it could be elongated in one direction, or it could be of any shape desired. The dish could be made of wood, plastics , metal or any desired material.

The interface module may connect to the data processing device by any desired method such as by means of a wired connection, for example a USB, Firewire™, Thunderbolt™ or other connection, or by means of a wireless connection such as wireless Ethernet or Bluetooth™.

- 3The data processing device may be a computer or a special purpose console, and the inputs used to control a game, movements of an on screen cursor and so forth, or may be monitored in the context of an exercise program or a rehabilitation program for a person who has been injured. Both the settings of the program and the nature of the ball can be adjusted to suit the need of the user. The sensitivity of the motion sensor module may also be adjustable.

The invention also extends to a method in which a user supported on the ball performs movements so that the dish moves.

The invention also extends to the device without a ball so that a gym ball or the like can be chosen by or for a user. Thus, viewed from another aspect, the invention provides an input device for data processing apparatus comprising a dish having a convex lower surface which can rest on a base and tilt in a plurality of directions with respect to the base, and a concave upper surface in which can be positioned a member on which a user can be supported, the dish being provided with a motion detector module which detects movement of the dish in response to forces applied to the dish, and produces signals in response to such movement, and with an interface to output the signals to the data processing apparatus.

The forces applied to the dish can be provided by a ball as described above, or by a person standing on any other shape of member such as an inflatable mushroom, or for example by a user standing directly on the dish.

Movement of a user supported on the member in the dish, such as a ball, can be effected by moving or changing the centre of gravity of the person, movement of limbs such as the arms or feet, movement of the feet and so forth. The member itself may not move relative to the dish, although such movement is possible in some embodiments.

An embodiment of the invention will now be described by way of example and with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

Figure 1 is a top plan view of a device in accordance with the invention;

-4Figure 2 is a side section on the lines A-A of Figure 1;

Figure 3 is a diagrammatic view of part of the motion sensor module; and

Figure 4 shows the device connected to a computer.

Referring now to the drawings, the device 1 comprises a circular rounded dish 2 having a curved convex outer surface 3, an upper edge 4, and a curved concave inner surface 5. Within the dish is a gym ball 6 on which are positioned the feet 7 of a user. The dish is provided with a motion detector module 8 within a recess in the base of the dish, which is connected to an interface 9. The dish is supported on a flat base 10. As shown in Figure 3, the motion detector module 8 includes an accelerometer array 11 comprising three orthogonally arranged accelerometers 11a, 11b and 11c. As shown in Figure 4, the interface 9 is connected to a computer 12, and may be used, for example, to control the movements of a cursor on a screen 13. The interface bay be connected to the computer by a wired connection or a wireless connection. There may also be a connection to the internet.

By manipulation of the ball with the feet, the movement of the dish 2 can be controlled, and signals sent to the computer so that the device can be used in the same way as a joystick.

Claims

1. An input device for data processing apparatus comprising a dish having a convex lower surface which can rest on a base and tilt in a plurality of directions with respect to the base, and a concave upper surface in which is positioned a ball on which a user can be supported, the dish being provided with a motion detector module which detects movement of the dish in response to forces applied to the ball by the user, and produces signals in response to such movement, and with an interface to output the signals to the data processing apparatus, wherein the ball is freely removable from the dish.

2. A device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the ball is resilient.

3. A device as claimed in claim 1 or 2, wherein the ball is inflatable.

4. A method of using a device as claimed in any of claims 1 to 3, in which a user is supported on the ball and performs movements to cause movement of the dish.

5. A method as claimed in claim 4, wherein the user stands, sits, or kneels on the ball.

6. An input device for data processing apparatus comprising a dish having a convex lower surface which can rest on a base and tilt in a plurality of directions with respect to the base, and a concave upper surface in which can be positioned a member on which a user can be supported, the dish being provided with a motion detector module which detects movement of the dish in response to forces applied to the dish, and produces signals in response to such movement, and with an interface to output the signals to the data processing apparatus, wherein the member is freely removable from the dish.

7. A device as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the motion detector module is mounted within the dish, between the inner and outer surfaces.

8. A device as claimed in claim 7, wherein the motion detector module is mounted centrally in the base of the dish.

9. A device as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the motion detector module includes an array of accelerometers.

10. A device as claimed in any preceding claim, in combination with a data processing device to which the interface is connected.

11. A device as claimed in any of claims 6 to 10, in combination with the member on which the user can be supported, the member being positioned within the dish, wherein the member is freely removable from the dish.

12. A device as claimed in claim 11, wherein the member is a ball on which a user can stand, sit, or kneel.

13. A method of using a device as claimed in claim 12, in which a user stands, sits, or kneels on the ball and performs movements to cause movement of the dish.

14. An input device for data processing apparatus comprising a dish having a convex lower surface which can rest on a base and tilt in a plurality of directions with respect to the base, and a concave upper surface in which is positioned a ball on which a user can be supported, the dish being provided with a motion detector module which detects movement of the dish in response to forces applied to the ball by the user, and produces signals in response to such movement, and with an interface to output the signals to the data processing apparatus, wherein the motion detector module is mounted within the dish, between the inner and outer surfaces.

15. A device as claimed in claim 14, wherein the ball is resilient.

16. A device as claimed in claim 14 or 15, wherein the ball is inflatable.

17. A method of using a device as claimed in any of claims 14 to 16, in which a user is supported on the ball and performs movements to cause movement of the dish.

18. A method as claimed in claim 17, wherein the user stands, sits, or kneels on the ball.

19. An input device for data processing apparatus comprising a dish having a convex lower surface which can rest on a base and tilt in a plurality of directions with respect to the base, and a concave upper surface in which can be positioned a member on which a user can be supported, the dish being provided with a motion detector module which detects movement of the dish in response to forces applied to the dish, and produces signals in response to such movement, and with an interface to output the signals to the data processing apparatus, wherein the motion detector module is mounted within the dish, between the inner and outer surfaces.

20. A device as claimed in any of claims 14 to 19, wherein the motion detector module is mounted centrally in the base of the dish.

21. A device as claimed in any of claims 14 to 20, wherein the motion detector module includes an array of accelerometers.

22. A device as claimed in any of claims 14 to 21, in combination with a data processing device to which the interface is connected.

23. A device as claimed in any of claims 14 to 22, in combination with the member on which the user can be supported, the member being positioned within the dish.

24. A device as claimed in claim 23, wherein the member is a ball on which a user can stand, sit, or kneel.

25. A method of using a device as claimed in claim 24, in which a user stands, sits, or kneels on the ball and performs movements to cause movement of the dish.